The district administration recently provided homestay owners an opportunity to register their facilities, ensuring legal support.
Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vijayanagara district, has over 117 unregistered homestays, raising safety concerns for tourists, particularly foreigners.
As per the Karnataka Tourism Act, homestays must be registered with the district tourism department, yet many remain unregistered.
Following recent incidents in Hampi and nearby areas, authorities have expressed concern, as any mishap leads to accountability issues. Vijayanagar SP Shrihari Babu BL emphasized that numerous homestays operate without permission.
Notices Issued to Homestay Owners
Highlighting the necessity of registration, SP Shrihari Babu BL assured that police would support compliant homestay owners, provided they adhere to guidelines from ASI, UNESCO, and other regulatory bodies.
Deputy Director of Tourism, Prabhulinga Talakere, stated that under Section 8 of the Karnataka Tourism Trade (Felicitation and Regulation) Act, 2015, registration is compulsory for homestays in tourist destinations.
Currently, there are 61 homestays in Janata Plot, 23 in Kaddirampur, and 33 in New Hampi, none of which have obtained permission. Notices have been issued to several homestay owners, Talakere confirmed.
Tourist guide Virupakshi V supported the initiative, stating that registration would not only boost tourism but also aid authorities in ensuring safety.
Safe Tourism Measures
In light of a recent gangrape and murder near Hampi, the home department has directed police commissioners and SPs across the state to strengthen tourist safety measures.